LOS ANGELES USC mixed some of the old with some of the new, but it all added up to an even more muddled tailback situation.

Senior Chauncey Washington did most of the work on the ground, carrying 11 times for 84 yards and a touchdown, and sixth-year senior Hershel Dennis even got in for some mop-up duty late in a 47-14 victory over Washington State Saturday.

A few flashes from freshman Joe McKnight offered a glimpse into what lies in store for this offense. McKnight had looked rattled in his first two games, fumbling twice.

The Trojans talked to him about staying calm all week. They simplified his role in the offense. In the second half, McKnight carried seven times for 49 yards, giving USC fans the first look at the speed and elusiveness that remind so many people of Reggie Bush.

“I’m hoping I can play some more next week and kind of show everybody what I have,” McKnight said. “I was kind of ready to get my chance. I hope I surprise everybody.”

When the Trojans want a steady presence running the ball, they can just turn and hand it to Washington. He said he feels he is more explosive after losing about 20 pounds this summer.

Washington said he has no idea whether he will take over as the No. 1 tailback.

“You’ve got to ask the coaches,” Washington said. “I just go out when they call my name.”

Stafon Johnson went from being the primary tailback to playing a backup role, carrying just nine times for 49 yards. C.J. Gable, who started several games last year, appears to have slipped well down the depth chart.

HURTING

Last year, a succession of injuries to USC fullbacks severely limited the running game. The team can only hope a run of injuries in the defensive backfield doesn’t make the Trojans susceptible to the pass.

Cornerback Cary Harris separated his right shoulder breaking up a pass to Charles Gibson in the end zone during the first quarter and said he expects to be out at least two weeks.

“It totally popped out,” Harris said. “Luckily, they put it back in on the field.”

Harris was scheduled to receive an MRI late Saturday to see if he tore any ligaments in his shoulder.

The original starter at cornerback, Josh Pinkard, was already out for the season with a torn knee ligament. Vincent Joseph was in street clothes Saturday because of a neck injury from the Nebraska game.

Shareece Wright becomes a starter and Mozique McCurtis will play in nickel situations, according to secondary coach Rocky Seto.

NOTES

Defensive end Kyle Moore missed some practice time because of a sore groin muscle this week, but Moore continues to spark big plays for the defense. He intercepted a pass from Alex Brink, who was under heavy pressure from Averell Spicer, and returned it to the Washington State 9-yard line, setting up a USC field goal. …

Guard Jeff Byers did some work at center, spelling freshman Kristofer O’Dowd.

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